Opposition lawmakers react as their colleagues occupy the podium at the National Congress in protest against the newly approved energy reform bill in Mexico City, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013. Mexico’s Senate, the early hours of Wednesday approved the most dramatic oil reform in decades, moving the country closer to opening its state-run sector to private companies and investment. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Just hours after Senate passage, Congress’ lower house on Wednesday began a floor debate on legislation that would open Mexico’s state-run oil industry to private investment, rejecting an effort by leftist opponents to first have committees review the bill.

Senators voted 95-28 early in the day in favor of the most dramatic overhaul of the country’s oil sector in decades.

Dozens of leftist lawmakers then seized control of the House of Deputies, using chairs and tables to block access to the chamber in a failed attempt to block discussion of the measure. “Login to read more